Louisiana Highway 47
Louisiana Highway 47 (LA 47) is a critical state highway in southeastern Louisiana, spanning 15.91 miles (25.60 km). Running in a general southeast-to-northwest direction, the route connects the Mississippi River levee in Chalmette to the intersection of Hayne Boulevard and Downman Road in New Orleans. Because of its strategic location, LA 47 serves as a primary north-south thoroughfare and a vital hurricane evacuation route for residents of St. Bernard Parish and the east bank of Plaquemines Parish.
The highway is unique for its shape, which resembles the number "7," and its concurrency with Interstate 510 (I-510), where it transforms from a local road into a controlled-access freeway.
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Key Facts
- Total Length: 15.911 miles (25.606 km).
- Parishes Served: St. Bernard and Orleans.
- Major Concurrency: Shares a 3.5-mile stretch with I-510.
- Primary Function: Local transit and emergency hurricane evacuation.
- Designation: Established during the 1955 Louisiana Highway renumbering.
Route Overview and Description
St. Bernard Parish Segment
The journey begins at the Mississippi River levee in Chalmette, the seat of St. Bernard Parish, just north of the Chalmette–Lower Algiers Ferry landing. Traveling north on Paris Road, the highway starts as an undivided two-lane road passing through an industrial zone characterized by petrochemical refineries. It intersects LA 46 (St. Bernard Highway), which provides access to the historic Chalmette Battlefield and National Cemetery.
As the route enters residential areas, Paris Road expands to four lanes with a center turning lane. Key landmarks along this stretch include Nunez Community College and the Park Plaza Shopping Center. Upon leaving Chalmette, the road transitions into a median-divided highway crossing marshlands and small marine-related industrial sites.
New Orleans East and the I-510 Concurrency
After crossing Bayou Bienvenue via a level bridge, LA 47 enters Orleans Parish. It then crosses the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway—a major industrial shipping channel—via a high-level bridge. At this point, LA 47 becomes a controlled-access freeway and merges with Interstate 510 (I-510).
This 3.5-mile concurrency features four major interchanges:
- Exit 2C: Connects to Almonaster Boulevard and the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility.
- Exit 2A–B: Connects to US 90 (Chef Menteur Highway).
- Exit 1B: Serves Lake Forest Boulevard and passes the site of the former Six Flags New Orleans.
- Exit 1A: A partial cloverleaf connecting to I-10, the primary east-west artery for New Orleans.
The Lakefront Extension
Once LA 47 splits from I-10, it continues as a divided four-lane highway to the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain in the Little Woods area. Here, the route turns southwest onto Hayne Boulevard. This undivided four-lane section follows the lake levee and its concrete floodwall through residential New Orleans East. The route provides access to the New Orleans Lakefront Airport and the Senator Ted Hickey Bridge before terminating at Downman Road.
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Technical Specifications and Traffic
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (La DOTD) classifies the highway based on its function: the section south of I-510 is an urban principal arterial, the I-510 segment is an urban interstate, and the remaining portion is an urban minor arterial.
| Segment | Peak Daily Traffic | General Speed Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Chalmette to I-510 | 28,500 vehicles | 40–55 mph |
| I-510 Freeway | N/A | 60 mph |
| Hayne Boulevard | 5,600 vehicles | 40 mph |
History and Evolution
Early Origins (1921–1955)
Before the current numbering system, the route was known as State Route 61, created in 1921. The southern portion followed Paris Road, which was originally the main street of Versailles, an early 19th-century town plan. By the late 1920s, the road was extended through the swamps, and by 1936, it was fully paved. A gravel extension to Hayne Boulevard was added shortly after to provide access to recreational camps at Little Woods.
Modernization and the "Green Bridge"
In 1955, the route was officially redesignated as LA 47. The 1960s and 70s brought significant upgrades, including the 1967 opening of a high-level cantilever truss bridge over the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. Known locally as the "Green Bridge" due to its original paint color, this structure allowed unimpeded marine traffic.
The I-510 Development
Originally, this corridor was intended to be part of I-410, a planned southern loop around New Orleans. Although the loop was cancelled in 1977, the section north of the Intracoastal Waterway was retained as I-510. This segment was upgraded to interstate standards between 1985 and 1992, costing $82 million and significantly improving evacuation capabilities for the region.
Future Outlook
As part of a "right-sizing" initiative, the La DOTD plans to transfer approximately 5,000 miles of state roads to local governments. Consequently, the portion of LA 47 from I-10 to Downman Road is slated to be transferred to the city of New Orleans, as it primarily serves local rather than interurban travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of LA 47?
LA 47 serves as a major north-south connector between Chalmette and New Orleans East and acts as a critical hurricane evacuation route for St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parishes.
How does LA 47 relate to I-510?
LA 47 runs concurrently with I-510 for approximately 3.5 miles, during which it functions as a controlled-access interstate freeway.
What is the "Green Bridge"?
The "Green Bridge" is the local name for the Paris Road Bridge, a high-level cantilever truss bridge that carries LA 47 over the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.
Where does LA 47 end?
The northern terminus of LA 47 is located at the intersection of Hayne Boulevard and Downman Road in New Orleans.
Will LA 47 remain a state highway in its entirety?
No. Under the La DOTD's right-sizing program, the segment from I-10 to Downman Road is expected to be transferred to the city of New Orleans.